Plans taking shape for Clara St Patrick's Day parade

Three marching bands have already been lined up for Clara's St Patrick's Day Parade.

Clara Town Band will be joined by Mullingar Town Band and a band from Newbridge in the annual parade, once again organised by the indefatigable Bertie McMahon.

Some 70 floats are expected to take part in the event, which begins at 12.30pm on March 17 at Charlestown Bridge.

However, the activities will be well underway at that stage, with musical entertainment taking place in The Square in Clara from 11.30am. Among those performing will be the James Kinsella Ceili Band and Alex Roe and Chris Loughrey.

Before the parade proper, the people of Clara will be entertained by Irish dancers from the Concannon Ganley Academy, Durrow Set Dancers and Rahan CCE, and others.

Commencing at Charlestown Bridge, the parade will make its way down River Street and into The Square.

Officially opening this year's parade are well-known brothers Danny and Patrick Rabbitte, two people held in high esteem by Bertie McMahon, while Trevor Kavanagh will sing the national anthem.